It is a dilemma that many players are currently facing – which boots to turn to after the Nike CTR360 Maestri. A few months back, Nike introduced us to the final rendition before bringing the Magista series to market. The move was a bold one considering the high popularity of the CTR360 and it has put a lot of players in a tough position as they look to move to a new silo. We get many emails from fans seeking some advice on where they should head, so we wanted to offer some suggested options that are worth considering.

The bad news: There are no perfect fit-and-feature replacements. The good news: We’ve scoured the marketplace and found some reasonable options for abandoned CTR360 loyalists.

Umbro Geometra Pro II

I will save you some time here by telling you that these are without a doubt, the most suitable option on the market right now for players in need of a replacement boot. I’ve been a huge fan of the Geometra range since their inception, and this version provides a similar type of performance that many of you currently crave. In between an A-frame support cradle, a medial pass pad with HF memory foam is added along the instep for ball control. Think of those long passes in the air you want to stop on a dime. The forefoot also features a textured feel for first touch.

Verdict: These are the top option right now for players wanting a CTR360 Maestri replacement! Prices are pretty decent at the moment also and you won’t be disappointed in the performance offered.

Warrior Gambler S-Lite

It terms of technology, this boot is about as close as you will get at this stage – and it is important to note here that we are referring to the first rather than the second generation release. The boot features injected PU inserts for ball control along the instep, and additional padding through the forefoot. Because of the wild soleplate on the Gambler, there is a definite different in traction provided. There is a good and bad to this boot option; unfortunately it is a boot also on its last leg, but the current prices are pretty awesome.

Verdict: Perfect short term solution, but they also won’t be around much longer.

Adidas Nitrocharge 1.0 (second generation)

Yes, the Nitrocharge is a boot designed for energy retention and specifically the “engine” of the team. But the addition of an EnergySling across the forefoot and some padding through the midfoot gives you a similar type of performance to the CTR360. It is the tacky feel of the EnergySling that is going to provide players with some beneficial grip on the ball, particularly as you take long passes in on your instep. The question you need to ask yourself on this one is if you are willing to make a Nike to Adidas jump?

Verdict: Even though it isn’t marketed as an attacking style boot, this version of the Nitrocharge is a very suitable option for players looking to replace the CTR360.

Nike Magista Opus

The boot that as released as the CTR360 was being released, but don’t get confused and call these their “replacement”. Nike headed in a totally new direction with the Magista series, looking to re-engineer a certain type of playing style. Performance mesh, Kangalite and Nikeskin technology combine to offer a clean, enhanced touch for players. There is no instep technology to aid in control.

Verdict: Definitely not the ideal replacement, but they are a comfortable boot that offers clean touch on the ball and players wearing them have applauded their performance.

Nike CTR360 Maestri

There is also the option of hunting down some of the last remaining pairs, like those currently listed on eBay. Price wise, you probably won’t be getting much value, but if you are desperate to get your hands on some, now is the time. Maybe we need to start a petition to get Nike working on a re-release – anyone interested?

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Thank you, Bryan–once again, you prove to be a neutral voice of reason for consumers in a world full of shills. This post was sorely needed. And the advice is useful for mid-level CTR360 refugees too (I know there are plenty of abandoned Trequartista fans out there as well, especially among parents like me and youth players). Is there an Umbra Geometra 2 pull-down? If so, what’s your opinion of it?

Thanks, Bryan. In a world full of shills, you are once again a voice of reason in service to the footie consumer. This is really helpful for mid-price shoppers too — there are lots of abandoned Trequartista fans out there in the parents/youth market as well. Does the Umbro Geometra 2 have a pull-down version? If so, what do you think of it?

Bryan, i hope that you can start a petition to bring back the CTR360. while i personally do not wear the boot, i have friends that have stuck with them since the original was released and he still refuses to switch out of his CTR360 Maestri III boots. Since the petition for MIzuno was successful, can we do the same again?

If you do release a petition, can you do it on facebook and the site as well, because i do not want to have twitter but want to engage in any petition that concerns bringing back the CTR360, or a release of a proper CTR360 IV.

I simply loved the CTR360, but sadly now my last pair needs a replacement. Many of the suggestions here are also discontinued. What does former CTR lovers use today?

Morelia?
Predator?
Magista?

What about Umbro, Puma, New Balance, Lotto etc…

Is there any in the classic range which could replace CTR? I've never managed to get real love for classics but are willing to give it a new try if somebody have a specially successful transaction from CTR.

Any suggestions, with a short description why it worked so good is grateful.

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